MPs' expenses + Conservatives | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/mps-expenses+conservatives
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 20:40:54 GMT2015-03-03T20:40:54Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Lib Dems welcome David Cameron’s hint at toughening recall billhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/15/lib-dems-david-cameron-recall-bill-mps
PM says government can go further than ‘minimum acceptable’ terms for process to recall MPs following criticism of draft bill<p>Liberal Democrats have welcomed David Cameron’s apparent new willingness to strengthen government plans to give voters a right to recall misbehaving or unpopular MPs for re-election.</p><p>The prime minister signalled he was willing to change his stance in response to a call by Douglas Carswell, the newly elected Ukip MP, to strengthen the bill due to be debated by MPs next week.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/15/lib-dems-david-cameron-recall-bill-mps">Continue reading...</a>House of CommonsMPs' expensesPoliticsDavid CameronLiberal-Conservative coalitionConservativesLiberal DemocratsWed, 15 Oct 2014 17:43:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/15/lib-dems-david-cameron-recall-bill-mpsPhotograph: Graham Turner/GuardianDouglas Carswell had called for the recall bill to be strengthened. Photograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianPhotograph: Graham Turner/GuardianDouglas Carswell had called for the recall bill to be strengthened. Photograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianPatrick Wintour2014-10-15T17:43:00ZMPs claiming more expenses now than at height of 2009 scandalhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/12/mps-expenses-under-fire
MPs under fire over claiming £103m in 2013/14, up from £98m the previous year<p>MPs are under fire over their expenses once more after it emerged they claimed more last year than at the peak of the expenses scandal, while a quarter employed family members with public money.</p><p>Despite the furore of the expenses scandal just five years ago, MPs claimed &pound;103m in 2013/14 – up from &pound;98m the previous year and slightly more than they did at the high watermark of &pound;102m set in 2008/09. Higher staffing spend is one of the reasons that MP expenses claims have started rising since they were brought down when a tougher system was introduced in the wake of the scandal.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/12/mps-expenses-under-fire">Continue reading...</a>MPs' expensesConservativesHouse of CommonsPoliticsUK newsThu, 11 Sep 2014 23:21:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/12/mps-expenses-under-fireLuke JohnsonA duck house – of which protesters made a model, which they floated past parliament – became the symbol of the 2009 MPs' expenses scandal. Photograph: Luke JohnsonLuke JohnsonA duck house – of which protesters made a model, which they floated past parliament – became the symbol of the 2009 MPs' expenses scandal. Photograph: Luke JohnsonRowena Mason, political correspondent2014-09-11T23:21:09ZTaking measure of ‘poor’ Simmonds | @guardianlettershttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/14/taking-measure-poor-simmonds
<p>Mark Simmonds is probably in the top 1% of household income recipients of over &pound;160,000 a year (<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/11/tory-foreign-office-minister-quits-intolerable-expenses-rules" title="">Minister quits over ‘intolerable’ expenses</a>, 13 August). He still complains that not sufficient of taxpayers’ money comes his way as an MP. I recently visited a friend in her 50s who worked until stricken with severe angina. She was refused sickness benefit, told to seek a job and got &pound;106 a fortnight. This month she has experienced two heart attacks and an operation. Back home, her income and work status has not yet been changed. These two people illustrate that Britain’s problem is not just poverty but inequality. With the next general election in sight, will my Labour party specify by how much it intends to redistribute income and wealth from the top 1% to the bottom 10% in order to promote greater equality?</p><p>Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Keir Hardie. How about an official Labour conference to resurrect the principles which he claimed were central to the party?<br /><strong>Bob Holman</strong><br /><em>Glasgow</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/14/taking-measure-poor-simmonds">Continue reading...</a>MPs' expensesLiberal-Conservative coalitionConservativesHousingSocial exclusionBenefitsPoliticsThu, 14 Aug 2014 18:10:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/14/taking-measure-poor-simmondsPhotograph: Sunday Alamba/APMark Simmonds, who has quit as a government minister. Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APPhotograph: Sunday Alamba/APMark Simmonds, who has quit as a government minister. Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APGuardian Staff2014-08-14T18:10:32ZMark Simmonds’ story is not about him, but a broken housing market | Zoe Williamshttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/13/mark-simmonds-broken-housing-market-capital
We need to find a radical solution to this inflated market, in which even the top 1% can’t afford to house their children in the capital<p>All in it together? Mark Simmonds, conservative MP for Boston and Skegness, has resigned, citing the intolerable pressure of trying to live in London on an MP’s expenses. He wants his family to live in London, which is understandable. For this, <a href="http://parliamentarystandards.org.uk/IPSAMPs/Scheme/schemeversion/Documents/MPs%E2%80%99%20Scheme%20of%20Business%20Costs%20and%20Expenses%20Sixth%20Edition.pdf" title="">a rental allowance of &pound;20,600</a> plus &pound;2,425 for each child (he has three) is insufficient. “Of course if MPs want to get into the business of travelling extensively from Westminster to the outer reaches of London to rent a flat then that’s up to them,” he told BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme on Monday. “But that’s not the lifestyle I want and it’s not the lifestyle I have chosen for myself or I want for my family.”</p><p>Here, he starts to become less sympathetic as a character. He earns almost &pound;90,000, and pays his wife up to &pound;25,000 from his parliamentary office. He is on record as the most expensive MP in Lincolnshire, having claimed &pound;173,000 in expenses in 2013.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/13/mark-simmonds-broken-housing-market-capital">Continue reading...</a>HousingMPs' expensesPoliticsHousing marketSocial housingHouse of CommonsConservativesWed, 13 Aug 2014 05:00:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/13/mark-simmonds-broken-housing-market-capitalPhotograph: Belle Mellor/Belle Mellor'In central London, the only viable markets are the ones that are subsidised by the government – either by housing benefit or MPs’ expenses – or the ones for the super-rich.' Illustration: Belle MellorPhotograph: Belle Mellor/Belle Mellor'In central London, the only viable markets are the ones that are subsidised by the government – either by housing benefit or MPs’ expenses – or the ones for the super-rich.' Illustration: Belle MellorZoe Williams2014-08-13T05:00:15ZMark Simmonds and why £89,435 (and the rest) is not enough to live onhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/shortcuts/2014/aug/12/mark-simmonds-why-salary-not-enough
Tory MP Mark Simmonds resigned this week, saying his income was not enough to pay for a suitable London family home. Which might seem odd, because his income is really quite high<p><strong>Name:</strong> Mark Simmonds.</p><p><strong>Age:</strong> 50.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/shortcuts/2014/aug/12/mark-simmonds-why-salary-not-enough">Continue reading...</a>MPs' expensesConservativesHouse of CommonsPoliticsLondonUK newsHouse pricesPropertyMoneyTue, 12 Aug 2014 13:38:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/shortcuts/2014/aug/12/mark-simmonds-why-salary-not-enoughSunday Alamba/APMark Simmonds, who has resigned saying he cannot afford to rent a Westminster flat large enough for his wife and three children. Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APSunday Alamba/APMark Simmonds, who has resigned saying he cannot afford to rent a Westminster flat large enough for his wife and three children. Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APGuardian Staff2014-08-12T13:38:11ZEarning £90,000 plus expenses wasn’t enough for Mark Simmonds | Chris Mullinhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/12/90000-not-enough-expenses-mark-simmonds-tories-ministers-wages
The Africa minister’s reason for quitting is puzzling and he hasn’t done his party any favours, but it’s clear Tories find it hard to live on ministerial wages <br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/11/tory-foreign-office-minister-quits-intolerable-expenses-rules" title="">Tory Foreign Office minister quits over expenses</a><p>“What you don’t understand, Chris, is that no Tory MP can survive on &pound;33,000 a year,” one of the grander Conservative MPs (and a multimillionaire to boot) remarked to me as we were queuing in the members’ tea room. Much to my embarrassment, he said this within the hearing of the serving women, whose wages were about a third of ours.</p><p>The year was 1995. Since then <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/about/mps-and-lords/members/pay-mps/" title="">MPs’ salaries have more or less doubled</a> and the allowances are a good deal more generous. Even so, it is apparent that many Tories struggle to survive on what most of their constituents would regard as an income beyond their wildest dreams. The <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/11/tory-foreign-office-minister-quits-intolerable-expenses-rules" title="">departure of Mark Simmonds</a> is only the latest evidence.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/12/90000-not-enough-expenses-mark-simmonds-tories-ministers-wages">Continue reading...</a>MPs' expensesPoliticsHouse of CommonsConservativesUK newsTue, 12 Aug 2014 11:48:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/12/90000-not-enough-expenses-mark-simmonds-tories-ministers-wagesPhotograph: /PA'For most of us the privilege of serving would more than make up for any temporary loss of income. Not so in Mark Simmonds' case apparently.' Photograph: PAPhotograph: /PA'For most of us the privilege of serving would more than make up for any temporary loss of income. Not so in Mark Simmonds' case apparently.' Photograph: PAChris Mullin2014-08-12T11:48:02ZTory Foreign Office minister quits over 'intolerable' expenses ruleshttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/11/tory-foreign-office-minister-quits-intolerable-expenses-rules
Africa minister Mark Simmonds says he cannot claim enough parliamentary expenses to house his family in Westminster<p>A Foreign Office minister who resigned on Monday has blamed &quot;intolerable&quot; expenses rules for forcing him to choose between his family and his parliamentary career.</p><p>Mark Simmonds, the Africa minister, said he would stand down from government immediately and would leave his Boston and Skegness seat at next year's general election.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/11/tory-foreign-office-minister-quits-intolerable-expenses-rules">Continue reading...</a>MPs' expensesLiberal-Conservative coalitionConservativesPoliticsHouse of CommonsHousingUK newsLondonMon, 11 Aug 2014 19:53:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/11/tory-foreign-office-minister-quits-intolerable-expenses-rulesSia Kambou/AFP/Getty ImagesMark Simmonds has resigned as a government minister and will step down from the Commons at the next election. Photograph: Sia Kambou/AFP/Getty ImagesSia Kambou/AFP/Getty ImagesMark Simmonds has resigned as a government minister and will step down from the Commons at the next election. Photograph: Sia Kambou/AFP/Getty ImagesRajeev Syal and Nicholas Watt2014-08-11T19:53:25ZMartin Rowson on Maria Miller's resignationhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cartoon/2014/apr/10/martin-rowson-maria-miller-resignation
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cartoon/2014/apr/10/martin-rowson-maria-miller-resignation">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerMPs' expensesConservativesWed, 09 Apr 2014 23:28:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cartoon/2014/apr/10/martin-rowson-maria-miller-resignationMartin RowsonMartin Rowson on Maria Miller's resignation. Illustration: Martin RowsonMartin Rowson2014-04-09T23:28:00ZNew culture secretary is first MP from 2010 Tory intake to reach cabinet levelhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/sajid-david-replaces-miller-culture-secretary
Maria Miller's successor boosts black and ethnic minority representation in ministerial ranks<p>Sajid Javid, the Muslim son of a bus driver, was marked out as one of the most significant Tories of the 2010 intake on Wednesday when he became the first of that generation of MPs to be appointed to the cabinet.</p><p>In a sign of David Cameron's determination to alter the image of the Tory party, which is depicted as white and upper class, the prime minister summoned Javid from the third most senior position in the Treasury to be the new culture secretary.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/sajid-david-replaces-miller-culture-secretary">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerPoliticsMPs' expensesConservativesDavid CameronConservativeHomeGeorge OsborneWed, 09 Apr 2014 22:22:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/sajid-david-replaces-miller-culture-secretaryCarl Court/AFP/Getty ImagesSajid Javid, arrives in Downing Street to be confirmed as culture secretary. Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty ImagesCarl Court/AFP/Getty ImagesSajid Javid, arrives in Downing Street to be confirmed as culture secretary. Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty ImagesNicholas Watt and Patrick Wintour2014-04-09T22:22:27ZMaria Miller ‘right’ to resign, says Ed Davey - videohttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-right-to-resign-ed-davey-video
The secretary of state for energy and climate change says Maria Miller's expenses scandal was proving a distraction from the government's work. Ed Davey says he would support further reforms to the expenses system if this case brought up more issues. He says the system must be transparent to restore voters' trust in politics <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-right-to-resign-ed-davey-video">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerMPs' expensesEd DaveyConservativesLiberal-Conservative coalitionLiberal DemocratsPoliticsUK newsWed, 09 Apr 2014 16:41:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-right-to-resign-ed-davey-videoAnthony Upton/REX/Anthony Upton/REXEx-culture secretary Maria Miller Photograph: Anthony Upton/REXGuardian Staff2014-04-09T16:41:26ZMaria Miller timeline: how the row over her expenses unfoldedhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-timeline-how-the-row-over-her-expenses-unfolded
<p>Culture secretary made a series of crucial mistakes in the handling of the row over her expenses claims, leading to her resignation<br></p><p>Maria Miller buys a house for her family in Wimbledon, south-east London, for &pound;237,500. She takes out a 90% mortgage on the property to house her elderly parents, two brothers and one child. Over the next decade or so, Miller borrows more money against the rising value of her house to pay for improvements.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-timeline-how-the-row-over-her-expenses-unfolded">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerMPs' expensesHouse of CommonsDavid CameronConservativesUK newsWed, 09 Apr 2014 11:44:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-timeline-how-the-row-over-her-expenses-unfoldedPhotograph: BBCMaria Miller's house in South London Photograph: BBCPhotograph: BBCMaria Miller's house in South London Photograph: BBCPhotograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesMaria Miller's new home in Basingstoke. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesMaria Miller's new home in Basingstoke. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Andrew Matthews/PAGeneral view of the sign for the Basingstoke Conservative club, which is in former culture secretary Maria Miller's constituency. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PAPhotograph: Andrew Matthews/PAGeneral view of the sign for the Basingstoke Conservative club, which is in former culture secretary Maria Miller's constituency. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PAPhotograph: PA/PAMaria Miller reading her statement of apology to the House of Commons on 3 April 2014. Photograph: PAPhotograph: PA/PAMaria Miller reading her statement of apology to the House of Commons on 3 April 2014. Photograph: PARowena Mason2014-04-09T11:44:53ZMaria Miller on her resignation: 'I don't want to distract from the government's achievements' – videohttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-resignation-government-video
Maria Miller discusses her decision to resign as culture secretary on Wednesday, saying the controversy over her expenses has distracted from the 'vital work' of the government. Miller says she had hoped to stay in the job despite attempting to limit a parliamentary investigation into her expenses, which she had over-claimed <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-resignation-government-video">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerDavid CameronConservativesHouse of CommonsPoliticsUK newsLiberal-Conservative coalitionMPs' expensesWed, 09 Apr 2014 11:00:58 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-resignation-government-videoRichard Gardner/REX/Richard Gardner/REXMaria Miller resigned from her position as Culture Secretary on Wednesday, saying the row over her expenses has distracted from the "vital work" of the government
Photograph: Richard Gardner/REXGuardian Staff2014-04-09T11:00:58ZMaria Miller's resignation is a shallow victory for the media oligarchs | Michael Whitehttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-resignation-expenses-media-commons
The self-righteous anger against the resigned culture secretary reveals a process debilitative to elective and accountable politics– and the ineptitude of Cameron's government<p>Michael Gove sounded shaken on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday morning, as well he might be. The education secretary had agreed to appear on the Today programme to talk about GCSE reform and found himself, totally unbriefed, defending David Cameron's defeat in his attempt to save Maria Miller's cabinet career. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-quits-culture-secretary-david-cameron" title="">She had resigned</a> within the hour.</p><p>This is a victory for public revulsion against her conduct and the wider privileges perceived to be enjoyed by the political class. The terms of their pay and conditions – modest by the standards of the metropolitan plutocracy – enrage voters far more than those of investment bankers whose greedy and irresponsible conduct has damaged the same voters far more. The City still hold us all to ransom.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-resignation-expenses-media-commons">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerMPs' expensesPoliticsHouse of CommonsConservativesNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesMediaWed, 09 Apr 2014 09:37:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/09/maria-miller-resignation-expenses-media-commonsBBCMaria Miller apologised for her expenses oversight too late – this would never have happened if Alistair Campbell was around. Photograph: BBCBBCMaria Miller apologised for her expenses oversight too late – this would never have happened if Alistair Campbell was around. Photograph: BBCMichael White2014-04-09T09:37:47ZMaria Miller resignation should be 'warning to political class'http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/michael-gove-maria-miller-resignation-warning
Michael Gove says row shows MPs need to demonstrate they understand continuing public anger over expenses <br /><p>The resignation of Maria Miller should serve as a &quot;warning&quot; to the entire political class that it needs to do more to show that it understands continuing public anger over parliamentary expenses, Michael Gove has said.</p><p>In a sign that Downing Street acknowledges the need for further reform of the policing of MPs, the prime minister's close cabinet ally warned of the dangers of adopting a &quot;lawyerly and nit-picking&quot; approach to questions about expenses.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/michael-gove-maria-miller-resignation-warning">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerMPs' expensesMichael GoveHouse of CommonsConservativesPoliticsUK newsWed, 09 Apr 2014 09:17:37 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/michael-gove-maria-miller-resignation-warningLondon News Pictures/REX/London News Pictures/REXMichael Gove, the education secretary, told the Today programme: 'This is a judgment on the political class overall and Westminster overall.' Photograph: London News Pictures/REXLondon News Pictures/REX/London News Pictures/REXMichael Gove, the education secretary, told the Today programme: 'This is a judgment on the political class overall and Westminster overall.' Photograph: London News Pictures/REXNicholas Watt, chief political correspondent2014-04-09T09:17:37ZHow David Cameron got the Maria Miller row spectacularly wronghttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/david-cameron-maria-miller-expenses-row-wrong
Mishandling of row over culture secretary's expense claims is a sign of how PM has totally misjudged public mood<p>A week ago, standing on the railway platform at Dawlish, David Cameron told the press: &quot;I think we should leave it there&quot; – a remark and judgment that proved to be spectacularly wrong, as Maria Miller's resignation on Wednesday morning finally displayed. Loyalty on this occasion proved not to be a virtue for the prime minister. It was instead a sign that his sense of the popular mood on this occasion had gone totally missing.</p><p>On the most charitable account, Cameron could not have looked at the details of the case. For instance, he said his culture secretary had been exonerated by the standards committee on the casting vote of lay members. The lay members have no vote, let alone a casting vote – a basic fact that reveals he was nowhere near the details of the case.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/david-cameron-maria-miller-expenses-row-wrong">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerDavid CameronMPs' expensesConservativesHouse of CommonsPoliticsUK newsWed, 09 Apr 2014 08:28:44 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/david-cameron-maria-miller-expenses-row-wrongNeil Hall/AFP/Getty ImagesDavid Cameron. A week ago, he said to reporters of the Maria Miller expenses story: 'I think we should leave it there.' Photograph: Neil Hall/AFP/Getty ImagesNeil Hall/AFP/Getty ImagesDavid Cameron. A week ago, he said to reporters of the Maria Miller expenses story: 'I think we should leave it there.' Photograph: Neil Hall/AFP/Getty ImagesPatrick Wintour, political editor2014-04-09T08:28:44ZMichael Gove, unlike the prime minister, understands the public moodhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/apr/09/davidcameron-maria-miller
<p>Most newspaper editors will view Maria Miller's resignation as a triumph for press freedom. They will also deny that they have conducted a witch hunt. In both cases, they are right.</p><p>What David Cameron and Maria Miller appeared unable to grasp was that newspapers were properly reflecting public opinion. Sure, they pumped it up too. That is undeniable.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/apr/09/davidcameron-maria-miller">Continue reading...</a>MediaDavid CameronMaria MillerNational newspapersNewspapersMichael GoveMPs' expensesRadio 4John HumphrysPoliticsConservativesLiam FoxAndrew MitchellWed, 09 Apr 2014 08:06:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/apr/09/davidcameron-maria-millerRoy Greenslade2014-04-09T08:06:00ZAide's plea to MPs as Miller fights backhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/08/maria-miller-media-witch-hunt
Media accused of 'hidden agenda' over minister's role in Leveson proposals<p>The embattled culture secretary, Maria Miller, launched a desperate fightback against growing pressure to resign, as one of her aides canvassed backbenchers for support and then toured TV studios to accuse the media of whipping up the row over her expenses in revenge for press regulation and gay marriage.</p><p>Miller issued a fresh apology to her constituents in Basingstoke, Hampshire, saying she had let them down and was &quot;devastated&quot; after she was ordered to repay thousands of pounds in expenses wrongly claimed for a mortgage.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/08/maria-miller-media-witch-hunt">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerMPs' expensesConservativesPress regulationGay marriageNewspapers & magazinesHouse of CommonsLeveson inquiryPoliticsMediaUK newsTue, 08 Apr 2014 19:57:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/08/maria-miller-media-witch-huntAmer Ghazzal/Demotix/CorbisMaria Miller still has the support of David Cameron. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/Demotix/CorbisAmer Ghazzal/Demotix/CorbisMaria Miller still has the support of David Cameron. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/Demotix/CorbisRowena Mason, political correspondent2014-04-08T19:57:20ZMaria Miller aide says media storm is revenge for press regulationhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/08/maria-miller-aide-media-storm-press-regulation-leveson
Mary Macleod texted Tory colleagues to say ongoing furore over culture secretary's expenses claims were 'due to Leveson'<p>An aide to Maria Miller has accused the media of whipping up a &quot;witch-hunt&quot; about the culture secretary's overclaimed expenses because she was an architect of press regulation and gay marriage legislation.</p><p>Mary Macleod said she thought newspapers had a &quot;hidden agenda&quot; in pursuing the story, after the Commons watchdog ordered Miller to pay back &pound;5,800 in mortgage expenses and make an apology in the House of Commons.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/08/maria-miller-aide-media-storm-press-regulation-leveson">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerMPs' expensesConservativesPoliticsPress regulationNewspapers & magazinesMediaLeveson reportLeveson inquiryHouse of CommonsTue, 08 Apr 2014 16:37:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/08/maria-miller-aide-media-storm-press-regulation-levesonYui Mok/PAMaria Miller 'would really appreaciate your support', Mary Macleod told backbench Conservatives. Photograph: Yui Mok/PAYui Mok/PAMaria Miller 'would really appreaciate your support', Mary Macleod told backbench Conservatives. Photograph: Yui Mok/PARowena Mason, political correspondent2014-04-08T16:37:12ZMaria Miller - MPs' self-regulation system criticised: Politics live bloghttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog
<p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5343d01be4b053db358db078">• Ed Miliband's speech - Summary</a></p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5343eb77e4b053db358db0c2">• Report from lay members of the Commons standards committee - Summary</a></p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5343f69be4b06c7e09a6020a">• Lunchtime summary</a></p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-53440ea8e4b053db358db0e5">• Afternoon summary</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T16:11:07.542+01:00">4.11pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>• Mary Macleod, Maria Miller's parliamentary private secretary, has accused the media of attacking Miller because they are angry about her support for gay marriage and the Leveson-backed royal charter on press regulation. </b></p><p>MacLeod on camera: think this is a witch hunt by the media angry about Leveson &amp; equal marriage &amp; taking it out on Maria</p><p>MacLeod: : &quot;We can't just let the media do whatever they want and hound someone where allegations have been dismissed&quot;</p><p>No.10 stonewalling re Miller. Asked if Mary Macleod speaks for Govt, refuses to comment directly.</p><p>I know some of you have described what has happened as 'venting the spleen' exercises or 'a little bit of bloodletting' but it is simply wrong and is not how we should treat colleagues or indeed as I like to think of many of you, a friend. </p><p>We are all rightly entitled to our opinion but as professional police officers and federation officials, it is how we express those opinions that matter. Whilst accepting emotions are running high in the advent of inevitable change, at times I have genuinely felt that I have been gratuitously and cruelly bullied and humiliated.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T15:57:37.161+01:00">3.57pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><a href="http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/2014/04/more-tory-mps-break-cover-on-miller/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=more-tory-mps-break-cover-on-miller&amp;utm_source=twitterfeed&amp;utm_medium=twitter">Isabel Hardman at Coffee House has a good audioBoo selection of Tory MPs ( Mark Field, Zac Goldsmith and Matthew Offord) having a go at Maria Miller.</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T15:50:01.750+01:00">3.50pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>The Telegraph's Holly Watt has hit back at Maria Miller's PPS, Mary Macleod. (See <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5344062fe4b06c7e09a60227">3.25pm.)</a></p><p>It is offensive to suggest Miller story is in any way about equal marriage &amp; only person who mentioned Leveson was DCMS spad</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T15:43:25.206+01:00">3.43pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>During the urgent question<b> Sir Kevin Barron</b>, the chair of the Commons standards committee, said the committee met this morning and authorised him to issue a statement defending their report into Maria Miller.</p><p>Here it is.</p><p>At our meeting today the committee authorised me to say that it continues to believe that its individual adjudications are impartial, non partisan and fair. It is extremely important that those who express opinions on these cases both within this House and outside it should have read closely the carefully reasoned and evidence based conclusions set out in each report. The committee will continue to work closely and cooperatively with the commissioner to reach objective non partisan and fair adjudications.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T15:39:46.553+01:00">3.39pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Here's the Sun's &quot;Miller must quit&quot; banner. (See<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5343c325e4b06c7e09a60197"> 10.40am.)</a></p><p>In the words of her special advisor Jo Hindley, <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSunNewspaper">@TheSunNewspaper</a>'s message to Maria Miller today; <a href="http://t.co/czG9qEI97F">pic.twitter.com/czG9qEI97F</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T15:25:21.968+01:00">3.25pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>The Conservative MP <b>Mary Macleod</b> has been tweeting support for Mary Miller.</p><p>Full support for <a href="https://twitter.com/Maria_MillerMP">@maria_millermp</a> as she has been cleared of allegations but still hounded by media. She is an excellent Culture Secretary.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T14:58:27.848+01:00">2.58pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>• Maria Miller, the embattled culture secretary, has come under fresh pressure from her Conservative colleagues to resign. Mark Field</b>, the MP for Cities of London and Westminster, told the World at One that her apology last week was &quot;unacceptably perfunctory&quot;. He said MPs who entered the Commons in 2010 felt particularly strongly about this.</p><p>They of course felt when they were elected four years ago that they were untainted by the expenses scandal of 2009, yet they of course have now also felt the real backlash from their constituents over recent days ...</p><p>There is this whole public perception here that, rightly or wrongly, the standards committee as it is currently constituted is somehow open to being nobbled by senior government members. In many ways it is that public perception that is so damaging here. </p><p>Whether [Miller] resigns is a matter for her but obviously the whole thing is extremely damaging for the Conservative party, it's damaging for parliament as a whole and politicians - we all get tarnished by the same brush. It's damaging for the government, for the prime minister. The sooner the matter is resolved, the better.</p><p>For a wholly external body to consider complaints relating to the conduct of members in this House - for example on participation in debates and the registration of financial interests - risks undermining parliamentary privilege.</p><p>If we were to seek, for example, to make the standards committee or the commissioner wholly independent, the position we would end up with would be the commissioner for standards would no longer have access to parliamentary privilege in relation to her investigations. </p><p>Presently she does, by virtue of her investigation being part of the proceeding of the standards committee of this House. Her role would be much more difficult to fulfil in the way she does. </p><p>This is is not so much a failure of the system but a complete and abject failure of the media properly to report these matters objectively, the result of which is many of our constituents have failed completely to understand exactly what has been the case in a recent report and it is time the media should pay proper consideration to Parliamentary reports rather than seeking to engage in witch hunts.</p><p>You can aspire to be a great nation, without desiring to be a great power. The USA is both but most nations can't be, and they reduce their chance to be a great nation if they pretend to be a great power</p><p>For most countries, greatness can only come from influence, not force; from soft, not hard power; from enlightened self-interest, not self-interest alone. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T14:03:29.919+01:00">2.03pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>The report from the three lay members of the Commons standards committee - Sharon Darcy, Peter Jinman and Walter Rader - <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/Standards%20Committee/Lay%20Members%20Report.pdf">only runs to 12 pages (pdf).</a> It is written in cautious, neutral language, and it is (generally) devoid of any juicy revelations.</p><p>But it is also, in a quiet, understated way, rather devastating.</p><p>A fundamental rewrite of The Code of Conduct and The Guide to the Rules, with close attention given to the way in which these are presented and communicated, would, in our opinion, help ensure that these important documents are both seen to be fit for purpose and future proofed for the digital world and for the next Parliament. </p><p>Several of those we have met have said that Elected Members were often ‘too busy to spend much time on standards.’</p><p>If the House is to show that it is not just paying lip service to the importance of high standards then, in our view, more needs to be done to ensure that leadership (one of the seven principles of public life), is shown in this area. We observe that the extent to which the Committee on Standards should lead in this area, and be at the forefront of championing wider cultural change, would be worth exploring. </p><p>Once the high level ‘core purpose’ of an Elected Member’s role has been described / clarified, setting and assessing the standards of conduct which Members should meet can become more focused.</p><p>Over the last twelve months, the Lay Members have observed that the fragmentation of the current standards system has enabled some to say that the conduct which is expected from them is unclear. The opaqueness of the letter of the law has the potential to enable those so minded to ignore the spirit of the law, as encapsulated in the seven principles of public life. In our view, even once the Guide to the Rules is tightened up, this will remain a risk unless it is made clear that behavior will always be interpreted within the context of the spirit of the law.</p><p>From the public point of view, Elected Members set the rules / laws that the rest of the population live by. The Lay Members note that some of the rules that have been set for both public facing organisations and private corporations (e.g. expectations of behavior, commitment to openness and transparency or staff disciplinary procedures) do not appear to be fully followed by the House itself.</p><p>When Elected Members decide that different standards of behaviour are acceptable from them, as compared to other external public figures, we are of the view that a clear evidence base should always be used, and communicated, to publicly explain the reasons for this decision. </p><p>Over the last year we have observed the heavy and demanding workloads required of Elected Members [of the standards committee]. Many will frequently be scheduled to be in one or more meetings at the same time that the Standards Committee is meeting, as well as having to prepare for debates and deal with mounting constituency business. On one occasion this led to a situation where only the Lay Members were present with the Chair and the Clerk at a Committee meeting, although we were assured that this had not happened previously. This rendered the Committee non-quorate and must be considered unacceptable given the cost to the public purse.</p><p>It is also currently unclear who is in the ‘strategic driving seat’ in the Committee. Is it the Committee Chair, the Committee as a whole, the Commissioner or indeed even the Lay Members?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:19:44.199+01:00">1.19pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Here is<a href="http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/Standards%20Committee/Lay%20Members%20Report.pdf"> the report from lay members of the Commons standards committee (pdf) </a>mentioned earlier. (See <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5343e1cde4b06c7e09a601dd">12.49pm</a> and<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5343e74ae4b053db358db0b1"> 1.11pm.)</a></p><p>I will post a summary of it soon.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:14:18.213+01:00">1.14pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Labour's<b> Thomas Docherty </b>asks why David Cameron wants to end self-regulation for the press, but not for MPs.</p><p>Lansley says having lay members on the standards committee was intended to introduce a system akin to a body like the Bar Council. But there are issues of privilege to be taken into account, he says.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:12:56.517+01:00">1.12pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Bob Blackman</b>, a Conservative, asks how many &quot;legacy cases&quot; there are (ie, unresolved expenses complaints relating to before 2010.)</p><p>Lansley says he does not know the number. He hopes there are relatively few. But he cannot say there are none.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:11:30.594+01:00">1.11pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>My colleague Patrick Wintour has been looking at what the lay members of the standards committee have been saying in the report Sir Kevin Barron mentioned earlier.</p><p>Lay members of standards committee have risen up - want new code of conduct, and tell MPs to stop paying lip service to higher standards.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:10:29.128+01:00">1.10pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Matthew Offord</b>, a Conservative, says people did raise expenses with him when he knocked on doors at the weekend. He says people think the situation has not changed.</p><p>Lansley says MPs should tell people that the situation has changed.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:09:08.718+01:00">1.09pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Labour's <b>Sheila Gilmore</b> asks if Lansley is really unwilling to consider reform proposals.</p><p>Lansley says that is not his position. He would consider changes.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:08:04.125+01:00">1.08pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Peter Bone</b>, a Conservative, says he has been doorstepping and telephone canvassing in recent days. Only one issue came up - immigration. The Miller case was only mentioned once, he says.</p><p>He says they should have recall - and &quot;pure recall&quot; (ie, a system that does not rely on the standards committee approving a recall ballot).</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:06:18.304+01:00">1.06pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Labour's<b> Chris Bryant</b> says there is no point complaining about the media on this issue. The system of self-regulation for MPs has been on trial for some time. And it has been found wanting, he says.</p><p>There is &quot;as much dodginess&quot; in the Lords as there is in the Commons too, he says.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:02:56.409+01:00">1.02pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Labour's <b>Paul Flynn </b>says the expenses system should be replaced with a system of allowances. Isn't Ipsa an idea whose time has gone?</p><p>Lansley says none of the recent cases imply Ipsa has been at fault, because they do not relate to cases since 2010.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:01:48.960+01:00">1.01pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Lansley says there was a concern that giving lay members voting rights on a committee could led to that committee losing its parliamentary privilege in the eyes of a court.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T13:00:52.975+01:00">1.00pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Therese Coffey</b>, a Conservative, says a green paper on parliamentary privilege two years ago led to the introduction of lay members.</p><p>She says it was the standards committee that decided to reopen an investigation into a former member (Denis MacShane) that led to him being jailed. So it is independent, she says.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:59:31.706+01:00">12.59pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Labour's <b>Ben Bradshaw</b> says he thought self-regulation had gone. What can Lansley say to assure people that reform has not stopped.</p><p>Lansley says the public are concerned about expenses. There are some &quot;legacy cases&quot; relating to the past. But the rules have changed, and Ipsa have created a situation that should command public respect.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:57:38.192+01:00">12.57pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Back in the chamber, Lansley says he does not see how it would be acceptable to allow an external body to take a decision to expel an MP from the House.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:57:05.496+01:00">12.57pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Outside the chamber another Conservative MP has admitted that the Miller affair is damaging the party.</p><p>Tory MP .<a href="https://twitter.com/PhilipDaviesMP">@PhilipDaviesMP</a> on Maria Miller expenses: &quot;Obviously the whole thing is extremely damaging for the Conservative party&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bbcdp&amp;src=hash">#bbcdp</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:56:24.722+01:00">12.56pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Labour's <b>David Winnick</b> says he does not accept the idea that this was all &quot;got up&quot; by the media. Mistakes have been made, he says. The system has to satisfy the public. At the moment they think there are double standards, he says.</p><p>Lansley says he is not being complacent. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:55:03.598+01:00">12.55pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Jacob Rees-Mogg</b>, a Conservative, says he wants parliament to retain control over regulation of MPs. But there should either be a proper power of recall, he says, or disciplinary decisions should be taken by the Commons as a whole.</p><p>Lansley says the government is committed to recall legislation.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:53:34.698+01:00">12.53pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Labour's<b> Peter Hain,</b> a former leader of the Commons, says the public think there is one rule of them, and one rule for MPs. </p><p>Lansley says if the parliamentary commissioner for standards were independent, she would not be covered by parliamentary privilege. Her investigations would be subject to legal challenge, he says. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:51:38.839+01:00">12.51pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Sir Peter Bottomley,</b> a Conservative, says he resigned from the standards committee when the House authorities, and at least one party, trashed Elizabeth Filkin, a previous parliamentary commissioner for standards. He is referring to Labour.</p><p>The media should read the committee's reports, he says.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:49:32.539+01:00">12.49pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Sir Kevin Barron</b>, chair of the committee, says the lay members of the committee recently submitted a report on their reflections on their first year on the committee.</p><p>That paper is on the committee's website, he says.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:47:20.021+01:00">12.47pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Sir Nick Harvey,</b> a Lib Dem MP, says he is on the standards committee. Until recently he did not realise they did not have a vote. That's because they don't need one. They contribute greatly to its discussions, he says. They have brought a great deal of expertise to the system. It should carry on as it is.</p><p>Lansley says that, if the lay members were to dissent from a committee report, that would have a powerful effect.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:45:42.203+01:00">12.45pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>John Bercow</b>, the Commons Speaker, says MPs should not be debating Miller. MPs can only debate the conduct of an MP if there is a substantive motion, he says.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:45:04.463+01:00">12.45pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Angela Eagle,</b> the shadow leader of the Commons, says this affair has cast doubt on the conduct of Miller, and the judgment of the prime minister.</p><p>Will the government remove the government majority on the standards committee? And will it give lay members voting rights?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:41:30.780+01:00">12.41pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Sir Gerald Howarth</b>, a Conservative, backs Lansley.</p><p>He accuses the media of misrepresenting the standards committee's report.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:40:37.505+01:00">12.40pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Lansley is replying to Mann.</p><p>He says Ipsa is &quot;wholly independent&quot; of the Commons.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:39:07.057+01:00">12.39pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>John Mann </b>says Lansley has probably not spent much time on doorsteps recently.</p><p>If he had, he would know how unhappy the public are.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:37:59.713+01:00">12.37pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Andrew Lansley</b> describes the role of the standards committee and Ipsa.</p><p>As of now, Ipsa is wholly independent, he says, and it considers expenses complaints. It can demand repayment and impose a fine.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:34:39.393+01:00">12.34pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>John Mann </b>asks for a statement on the possible changes suggested by David Cameron yesterday to the Commons disciplinary committees.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:33:02.123+01:00">12.33pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Here's the latest from Number 10 on Maria Miller.</p><p>Asked if Maria Miller has offered resignation, No 10 says &quot;matter has not arisen&quot;. You could fall into the space left open there</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:31:18.681+01:00">12.31pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Andrew Lansley</b>, the leader of the Commons, is about to answer an urgent question on Commons standards. </p><p>One Urgent Question today from <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMannMP">@JohnMannMP</a> on regulating complaints about fellow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MPs&amp;src=hash">#MPs</a>. More details to follow.</p><p>Andrew Lansley leader of house 3 months ago rejected plans to pass legislation to give decisions of committees with lay members privilege.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:23:45.814+01:00">12.23pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>That expression of support didn't last long. (See<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5343a4f4e4b06c7e09a60155"> 8.41am.)</a> Boris Johnson is now cracking jokes at the expense of Maria Miller.</p><p>'If things were to go wrong for Maria there's plenty of jobs in life sciences' - Boris' Miller solution at the MedCity launch</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T12:15:41.445+01:00">12.15pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>This morning<b> Ed Miliband </b>has delivered a speech on the cost of living crisis. On a normal day it would probably get some coverage on 24 hours news, but the BBC and Sky are obsessed with Oscar Pistorius giving evidence in his trial. </p><p><a href="http://press.labour.org.uk/post/82080311502/ed-milibands-speech-on-tackling-the-cost-of-living">The full text of Miliband's speech is now available.</a> And here is Patrick Wintour's preview story summarising the key announcement.</p><p>The country that once built its prosperity on the great towns and cities, like Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff, has become a country which doesn’t do enough to build prosperity in England outside one great capital city: London ...</p><p>London and the South-East of England was responsible for 37 per cent of the UK's growth in the decade before the financial crisis.</p><p>Governments of both parties have not done nearly enough to give the tools to the brilliant people, talented individuals, dynamic businesses of our great towns and cities to do the job they want to do.</p><p>Lord Heseltine’s review called for massive funding to be devolved to Britain’s cities. </p><p>And they flunked the test.<br /></p><p>Ed Miliband and Ed Balls are today writing to all local authorities, universities and LEPs [local enterprise partnership] setting out this road map and inviting them to prepare plans meeting the conditions which could be brought forward early in the next Parliament. </p><p> Authorities which bring forward plans in the first nine months of the next Parliament will in return receive a devolution deal finalised in the first spending review period of a Labour Government.</p><p>1. Putting in place stronger political governance to drive economic leadership and decision-taking at city-region and county-region level.</p><p>2. Properly integrating a single Local Enterprise Partnership working closely with, but entirely independent of, the combined authority so that businesses are fully engaged in decision making and signed up to the local blueprint.</p><p>In the last few years, we’ve seen employment in low paid sectors rise twice as fast as in higher paid sectors. </p><p>George Osborne thinks that creating more and more insecure, low paid, low skilled jobs is good enough as an answer to our country’s cost-of-living crisis.</p><p>Now, I welcome the chancellor’s apparent conversion to the cause of full employment.</p><p>It is 70 years after a British government first dedicated itself to it.</p><p>Because they tell us that very soon, on one measure, average wage rises will overtake the level of inflation.</p><p> I hope that happens as soon as possible.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T11:45:25.819+01:00">11.45am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Ed Miliband has been taking questions about the Maria Miller affair at his speech in Birmingham. He is not calling for her to resign.</p><p>. <a href="https://twitter.com/Ed_Miliband">@Ed_Miliband</a>: David Cameron has 'some serious questions to answer' over Maria Miller's approach to expenses probe and'perfunctory' apology</p><p>Ed Miliband, asked whether Maria Miller should resign: &quot;I'm not calling for that today.&quot; Tomorrow? Thursday? Easter Monday?</p><p>Ed Miliband says right to reform MPs expenses but miller case raise issues about how decisions are made 'but not in a knee jerk way'</p><p>Ed Miliband not calling for Maria Miller to resign - Labour's had too many expenses problems of its own</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T11:20:24.552+01:00">11.20am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>We're going to get an urgent question on parliamentary standards at 12.30pm.</p><p>Urgent question on Parliamentary Standards 1230 in Commons</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T11:04:07.559+01:00">11.04am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Guido Fawkes has posted on Twitter more details of the Survation poll I mentioned earlier. (See <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-5343b9ece4b053db358db056">10.02am.)</a></p><p>55% say Miller is the worst expenses cheat since 2009 <a href="http://t.co/Y1qkZ2OllS">http://t.co/Y1qkZ2OllS</a> <a href="http://t.co/4oSbEgnak9">pic.twitter.com/4oSbEgnak9</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T10:49:51.628+01:00">10.49am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Alastair Campbell</b> is the man credited with saying that a political crisis cannot go on for nine days <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/07/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog#block-534254cbe4b03e953afa2dda">(or 13, or 11, or seven - no one is quite sure) </a>without someone having to resign.</p><p>At the BBC they're counting. This morning's radio news reports made the point that this was Miller's sixth day in the headlines. (They're starting from Thursday last week.)</p><p>Whatever my rule was, Maria Miller is breaking it.Trouble is Dave likes to have fights not worth having so he can avoid the ones that matter</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T10:40:13.018+01:00">10.40am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Sometimes tabloid papers coin a nickname that brilliantly encapsulates a figure they either love or loathe.</p><p>And sometimes they don't quite pull it off. The Sun's decision to christen Maria Miller &quot;the Millerpede&quot; probably comes into the category.</p><p>There is currently a Sun newspaper &quot;Millerpede&quot; banner being photographed outside Parliament.</p><p>All will be revealed soon; MT <a href="https://twitter.com/christopherhope">@christopherhope</a> It looks like The Sun is photographing a &quot;Miller-pede&quot; banner <a href="http://t.co/2who4l9eTA">pic.twitter.com/2who4l9eTA</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T10:32:55.617+01:00">10.32am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>You can read all today’s Guardian politics stories <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/all">here. </a>And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today’s paper, are <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/07/all">here.</a></p><p>As for the rest of the papers, here’s <a href="http://www.politicshome.com/uk/todays_must_reads.html">the PoliticsHome list of top 10 must-reads</a>, here’s <a href="http://www.conservativehome.com/frontpage/2014/04/newslinks-for-tuesday-8th-april-2014.html">the ConservativeHome round-up of the politics stories in today’s papers</a> and here’s <a href="http://www.newstatesman.com/staggers/2014/04/morning-call-pick-papers-1">the New Statesman’s list of top 10 comment articles.</a></p><p>Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs, met the Prime Minister on Monday to tell him that MPs from across the party were calling for Mrs Miller to go ...</p><p> A source said senior members of the 1922 Committee were “in no doubt that this is absolutely toxic” for the party. Mr Brady would “make that very clear” to Mr Cameron ...</p><p> A former colleague of Mrs Miller’s has also disputed a key justification for her expense claim — also challenged by the independent watchdog — that her main home was in her Hampshire constituency, allowing her to claim mortgage costs on her London house. </p><p> Mrs Miller claimed parliamentary allowances for her Victorian terrace property in Wimbledon on the basis that it was her “second home”. In her evidence to the watchdog, she repeatedly insisted that she spent more nights in her constituency residence than in her larger home in Wimbledon. </p><p>One [backbencher] said: &quot;He's looking after his own and it's going to cost us vote. Whatever happens now we have lost credibility.&quot;</p><p>Maria Miller should resign. If she does not appreciate the need, the Prime Minister should make it clear to her. It seems at the moment as if she and those who work in Downing Street are almost the only people in the country who do not recognise that it is time for her to go. In both cases, obstinacy is getting in the way of good judgment.</p><p>As for David Cameron, at last he seems to acknowledge that there may be a case for toughening up Parliament’s regulatory regime. But still he stands by Mrs Miller.</p><p>The longer this affair drags on, the more toxic it becomes for the Tories. This paper cannot see the story dying of its own accord.</p><p>David Cameron' s misplaced loyalty to Maria Miller is costing him votes with ever hour that ticks by.</p><p>People won't fall for it, Dave. They think Miller should go. The longer you defend the indefensible the more out of touch you become.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T10:19:23.802+01:00">10.19am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Zac Goldsmith </b>has told Radio 5 Live this morning he's &quot;surprised&quot; Maria Miller hasn't already resigned.</p><p>10am: Conservative MP <a href="https://twitter.com/ZacGoldsmith">@ZacGoldsmith</a> tells me he's &quot;surprised&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MariaMiller&amp;src=hash">#MariaMiller</a> hasn't resigned ..full interview after 10 on <a href="https://twitter.com/bbc5live">@bbc5live</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23expenses&amp;src=hash">#expenses</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T10:02:50.778+01:00">10.02am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>And here's another Maria Miller poll. <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-London/2014/04/08/poll-shows-voters-at-odds-with-conservatives-over-miller">A Survation survey for Breitbart London (a rightwing, libertarian website) and Conservative Grassroots says that 34% of those who voted Conservative in 2010 say they would reconsider how they vote on the basis of Miller's conduct and David Cameron's response to it.</a></p><p>(Polls like this need to be treated with even more caution than normal ones. It's based on a leading question, because you are unlikely to want to admit that the conduct of a minister is something that you will just ignore, and in practice single controversies of this kind, on their own, tend not to have much impact on voting intention.)</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T09:46:51.465+01:00">9.46am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>Zac Goldsmith</b>, the Conservative MP, has written <a href="http://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2014/04/from-zacgoldsmith-the-maria-miller-controversy-is-a-reminder-of-why-we-need-a-proper-right-of-recall.html">a piece for ConservativeHome saying the Maria Miller affair underlines the need for a proper &quot;recall&quot; law giving the voters the opportunity to force an MP to stand again in a byelection if they are unhappy with his or her conduct.</a></p><p>The government is promising to legislate for recall in the final session of parliament. But, as Goldsmith points out, under Nick Clegg's plan (he's in charge of this legislation), the committee that would decide whether or not to allow a recall would be the same one, the standards committee, that watered down the report saying Miller should pay back &pound;45,000.</p><p>When it comes to the technicalities of financial wrongdoing, it probably makes sense for a specialised independent body to lay out the facts, and make recommendations.</p><p>But what seems to have slipped the net in recent debates is the fact that we already have an independent body, capable and uniquely qualified to pass judgment on MPs. It’s called the electorate. The only difficulty, for now, is that they don’t have the powers to do so.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T09:25:53.242+01:00">9.25am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><a href="http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-04-08/poll-69-of-tory-supporters-think-miller-shouldve-gone/">According to a ComRes poll of Conservative supporters, 69% of them think Maria Miller should resign.</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T09:03:51.722+01:00">9.03am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>I'm told there's no need to get excited about the idea of Maria Miller going into Number 10 early today. She was there for a political cabinet meeting starting at 8.30am. The full cabinet starts at 9.30am. A Number 10 source says that the suggestion that Miller was turning up early for a special meeting with Cameron was &quot;total nonsense&quot; and that she still has Cameron's &quot;strong backing&quot;.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2014-04-08T08:41:12.264+01:00">8.41am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>It's another tricky day for Maria Miller. Today the Daily Telegraph and the Times - the two leading Tory &quot;broadsheets&quot; - are leading on stories saying Conservative MPs want her to be sacked.</p><p>And here are this morning's developments.</p><p>Maria Miller has just done possibly the quickest EVER entry into No10. Drove up in car, back to cameras, no response to shouted questions</p><p>She is staying. I don't know the facts of the case in great detail but it seems to me she is being hounded quite a lot and I suppose my natural sympathies go out to people being in a hounded situation. How about that? </p><p>She's another member of the government and of course she has my support, just as she has the prime minister's, which is the support that really counts. I'm just junior minister. It's the view of the prime minister and the view of the standards committee that really counts.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blog">Continue reading...</a>PoliticsUK newsMaria MillerConservativesEd MilibandLocal governmentLabourAndrew LansleyHouse of CommonsMPs' expensesTue, 08 Apr 2014 15:58:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/apr/08/maria-millers-expenses-controversy-latest-developments-politics-live-blogPhotograph: Guido Fawkes blogScreen grab of text message posted on Guido Fawkes' blog Guido Fawkes blogPhotograph: See Li/ See Li/Demotix/CorbisZac Goldsmith Photograph: See Li/Demotix/CorbisPhotograph: See Li/ See Li/Demotix/CorbisZac Goldsmith Photograph: See Li/Demotix/CorbisPhotograph: Amer Ghazzal / Barcroft Media/Amer Ghazzal / Barcroft MediaMaria Miller leaving No 10 after this morning's cabinet meeting. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/Barcroft MediaPhotograph: Amer Ghazzal / Barcroft Media/Amer Ghazzal / Barcroft MediaMaria Miller leaving No 10 after this morning's cabinet meeting. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/Barcroft MediaAndrew Sparrow2014-04-08T15:58:08ZTory MP ‘surprised’ Maria Miller has not resigned – videohttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/08/tory-mp-surprised-maria-miller-not-resigned-video
Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park, voices support for the proposed introduction of a 'proper recall system', allowing constituents to have a referendum on whether their MP should remain in their position. Goldsmith makes the comments in the wake of the scandal surrounding culture secretary Maria Miller's expenses <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/08/tory-mp-surprised-maria-miller-not-resigned-video">Continue reading...</a>Maria MillerPoliticsMPs' expensesConservativesUK newsZac GoldsmithTue, 08 Apr 2014 14:52:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2014/apr/08/tory-mp-surprised-maria-miller-not-resigned-videoRosie Hallam/Getty ImagesCulture Secretary Maria Miller Photograph: Rosie Hallam/Getty ImagesGuardian Staff2014-04-08T14:52:25Z